[honeychile]

Okay, please bear with me with this. I know EXACTLY how y'all feel about a loved one going to a war zone. My (much) older brother has been to war, and to missionary assignments in war zones.

It's hard. Not a minute goes by when you don't wonder how he is, what he's doing. If you allow it, the thoughts will consume you.

This is why you must truly learn to rely fully on the Lord for protection. You must remember that many go to war, AND that most will return! Those who return will come back with a new outlook on life, a more mature and thoughtful approach. We hear only the negative, because that news sells. Keep your thoughts and minds focused on the Lord, and not on the negatives - we know those thoughts come from the pits of hell!

I pray for the protection of each of your loved ones, that they don't have to actually go to war, and if they do, that they will have the full protection of the Lord, and return to their families with an attitude of joy.